Dutchwest 2461 position /probe thermometer question.

I used to have a 2461cat (circa July 1989) in my Levitt ranch. The masonry chimney sits smack-damn in the middle of the house, and is open on both sides (kitchen and living room). The 2461 was formerly in the fireplace, legs off, facing the kitchen (so as to access the left side door (small opening on left side of pic). I have an insert in there now, on the living room side, and it is adequate (heating 1600 sw.ft.). The 2461 needs some work, and I would like to put her back in service. The living room wall is only 11 feet away from the face of the chimney, so a hearth-mount in that room would surely cook us out. But, if I place it back IN the fireplace FACING the living room - I wont be able to access the left side door - my boiler is on that side. Options? I could put it back in facing the kitchen (not great asthetics from the LR side) , but I would HAVE to get a cat temp. probe extention that I could extend OUTSIDE the fireplace, so that I could see it. Do they even make these? I used to just wait until I was SURE the stove was up to temp b/f engaging the cat. I purchased the insert by taking advantage of the '10 30% tax incentive., but by NO means want to purchase ANOTHER stove. The insert functions fine - I just LOVE the look of the DW. Maybe I should just leave well enough alone - and hold onto the DW until I move north in 5 years or so. What do you guys think?


Oh, yeah...forgot to mention... - I COULD place it in the fireplace facing the LR and make an opening on THAT side for the door - the boiler actually sits on a hanger about 4 feet off the floor. You cant see it from the LR pic , but on the kitchen side i could feed the stove thru a new opening I would have to make under the boiler.(see last pic)

Oh, and it doesnt normally look that ghetto...there was a pull-out cabinet there...and now my 2461 sits in that space on a small dolly. :red:

Yes...both the boiler and the stove(6" liner for the stove/insert) have their own liners. These Levitt houses were built like this with the boiler in the middle of the house - venting in its own chamber in the chimney.

Oh - misunderstanding - I do not want to use BOTH stoves at once. I would re-install the DW - and pull out the insert until I need it again - after I move - years down the road.

Interesting, I am a new owner of a Levitt ranch long Island .I am having trouble finding fie place doors for my fire place that’s only 21 inches high. Any way someday I would like to get an insert..

I have to wonder what condition the CAT is in after all these years. The way this is set up you have to remove the stove from the opening to acess it. Also is there some sort of blower mounted in the back to help get some of the heat out of there?

You may need to have them custom made. I think http://www.woodmanspartsplus.com does some custome casting and plate work.